Squad for 6N

[switchskier]

So important lesson - don't get a French player sent off

[ARM]

Huw Jones would be a hell of a player if he could pass a rugby ball.

[Scottish Caley Fan]

At least we get to play our strongest team on Friday .

Agreement reached just after the game for PLR to release the players; good job because we'll need them.

Sounds like no injuries either (GT post match interview on YouTube us the source) so Graham must be ok after that assault on him.

[francoisfou]

Don’t go and piss on our parade on Friday night! We can’t let the Welsh win the 6N, can we?

[Son of Mathonwy]

Okay boys, your mission should you choose to accept it.....

[Mikey Brown]

Now that is a horrible dilemma.

[Mikey Brown]

Was thinking about the usual post-6N player rundown, even with a game left, but I'm not sure how much there is personnel-wise to change at this point?

We simply don't have the depth for the injury situations at hooker, lock, half-back, 12 to be manageable, so hard to blame Gregor too much there. Not sure why Richie Gray was in and out, but I hadn't been expecting him to make the original squad anyway. Was quite pleased with Cherry. Did Craig do enough to judge?

Did Steele answer any questions? We looked quite tidy in the forwards for the most part, giving us a good platform, but looked like we were on all sorts of different wavelengths in the back.

Thomson, Graham, Bhatti, Lang I would say didn't really take their chances to show anything. Not sure if Thomson is still out injured, or just dropped, but his injury record is a big concern and still haven't seen him really making an impact so far. VDW looked lively at times, and his chances have been very limited, but I'm so biased against him at this point given what I've seen at Edinburgh.

Great to see Jones getting on the ball and that connection with Hogg starting to spark again, but jesus christ his hands are awful sometimes. Does he keep the shirt ahead of Harris? Can he be trusted to contain Fickou/Vakatawa?

So... questions for the 23 v France I'd guess would depend on the fitness of Russell, Cummings, Redpath and how Brown/Hastings go this afternoon. Is Cummings fit? If not just keep Skinner alongside Gray. I think even if Redpath is fit, Johnson has largely done well since coming back in.

[septic 9]

Was thinking about the usual post-6N player rundown, even with a game left, but I'm not sure how much there is personnel-wise to change at this point?

We simply don't have the depth for the injury situations at hooker, lock, half-back, 12 to be manageable, so hard to blame Gregor too much there. Not sure why Richie Gray was in and out, but I hadn't been expecting him to make the original squad anyway. Was quite pleased with Cherry. Did Craig do enough to judge?

Did Steele answer any questions? We looked quite tidy in the forwards for the most part, giving us a good platform, but looked like we were on all sorts of different wavelengths in the back.

Thomson, Graham, Bhatti, Lang I would say didn't really take their chances to show anything. Not sure if Thomson is still out injured, or just dropped, but his injury record is a big concern and still haven't seen him really making an impact so far. VDW looked lively at times, and his chances have been very limited, but I'm so biased against him at this point given what I've seen at Edinburgh.

Great to see Jones getting on the ball and that connection with Hogg starting to spark again, but jesus christ his hands are awful sometimes. Does he keep the shirt ahead of Harris? Can he be trusted to contain Fickou/Vakatawa?

So... questions for the 23 v France I'd guess would depend on the fitness of Russell, Cummings, Redpath and how Brown/Hastings go this afternoon. Is Cummings fit? If not just keep Skinner alongside Gray. I think even if Redpath is fit, Johnson has largely done well since coming back in.

don't know how often folk have to be told, Richie Gray was out of the squad because of concussion. He was lucky to be in it, and his performance today showed why.
Russell and Hastings will be available so VDW can move on having enjoyed his brief and ineffectual flirtation with international rugby.
Steele's passing was shit, Game enough, but his fundamentals so poor against such poor opposition, he will still bench this week unless Toonie calls up SHC or be really sensible, Pyrgos, As soon as Horne is fit, enough of Steele
Craig's cameo was very good and justified his selection, but he might be lucky to be in next week's 23 - expect Jonny Gray back to replace him. Cummings broke a bone in his hand so don't expect to see him
Odd to pick out Jones hand's, whole team couldn't pass water yesterday

[francoisfou]

I always thought SHC was a competent scrum half, but seems to not be in Townsend’s plans.

[Mikey Brown]

I’m very sorry about not picking up on the Richie Gray thing. I hope it hasn’t ruined your day that you needed to remind me. I thought Cummings’ injury was a dislocation which may have been short term. Again, sincere apologies.

There was lots of poor passing on display yesterday, but Jones really stood out.

[Cameo]

I think Friday may be too soon for Brown. It's a risk but I would probably go Turner Cherry.

I'd pick Jones at 13 but, then again, I would have for most of the last three years. I remember one bad pass into touch when we were on advantage but don't actually remember his hands ring particularly bad. I'd back him in a catching contest against Harris. He also threatens the line which gives some space outside.

Are Russell and Gray definitely back?

Btw, I've been enjoying Matt Fagerson. I think we have a settled backrow. It's not perfect in all games and with all refs but it is very competitive in the breakdown, offers good support around the park. Not the biggest carriers but all punch above their weight and I think we just have to expect more from our front five (ZF over Nel helps with that part).

[Donny osmond]

I think Friday may be too soon for Brown. It's a risk but I would probably go Turner Cherry.

I'd pick Jones at 13 but, then again, I would have for most of the last three years. I remember one bad pass into touch when we were on advantage but don't actually remember his hands ring particularly bad. I'd back him in a catching contest against Harris. He also threatens the line which gives some space outside.

Are Russell and Gray definitely back?

Btw, I've been enjoying Matt Fagerson. I think we have a settled backrow. It's not perfect in all games and with all refs but it is very competitive in the breakdown, offers good support around the park. Not the biggest carriers but all punch above their weight and I think we just have to expect more from our front five (ZF over Nel helps with that part).

It is nice to agree with Cameo, and I agree with all of this.

Would add that I think Johnson is currently the best option available to us at 12, altho whenever Redpath is available again that might change. I don't mean that as damning with faint praise, I think Johnson is a very very good player.

M Fagerson is the best 8 we have, which is not to say he's great, certainly the weakest 8 of the home nations, but still he's stepped up this tournament and that's good to see.

Our front five are a bit meh overall, individual strengths but not really clicking as units. Injuries and bans haven't helped.

Sent from my CPH1951 using Tapatalk

[switchskier]

I think that we're in danger of forgetting just how good Redpaths international debut was. He looked absolutely to the manor born so he's first choice for me if fit and if he's trained well.

Generally I prefer Jones at 13. But France have to chase a bonus point against us to take the championship. So I'd be tempted by Harris' defensive solidity in the expectation that they force it out wide.

[Big D]

I'd go with:
Sutherland
Doesn't matter which hooker Cherry took his chance but Turner is a decent hooker who has had a rough game and has lost a bit of confidence in his throwing. He seems to be floating them in.
Fagerson
Gray
Skinner (GT will go with GG)
Usual backrow
Price - although some of his decision making is still questionable such as going blind side on Saturday and losing it.
Russell
Duhan
Johnson
Jones
Maitland
Hogg

The other hooker
Bhatti
Nel, if not fit then Beghan
Craig (but it will be Skinner)
Haining I suppose
Steele
Hastings
Harris/Graham

[Mikey Brown]

I do agree on Redpath overall. He looked absolutely class. I guess I'm just worried by a mysterious neck injury that popped up and kept him out for 5 or 6 (?) weeks. Johnson is very reliable though and I think a good partner for Jones if we're sticking with him. I'd be happy with either for France, I just have bigger concerns that Johnson I guess. He generally has a very low error rate, though that hospital pass to Graham was awful.

I think Fagerson playing in many other sides with more carrying options in the pack would look more destructive. He's doing a ton of the inglorious tight carrying work, and seems to be the only one who can reliably catch a restart and make a bit of ground.

[whatisthejava]

I think Harris gets the nod with a switch at 50 for Jones

[Scottish Caley Fan]

Was thinking about the usual post-6N player rundown, even with a game left, but I'm not sure how much there is personnel-wise to change at this point?

We simply don't have the depth for the injury situations at hooker, lock, half-back, 12 to be manageable, so hard to blame Gregor too much there. Not sure why Richie Gray was in and out, but I hadn't been expecting him to make the original squad anyway. Was quite pleased with Cherry. Did Craig do enough to judge?

Did Steele answer any questions? We looked quite tidy in the forwards for the most part, giving us a good platform, but looked like we were on all sorts of different wavelengths in the back.

Thomson, Graham, Bhatti, Lang I would say didn't really take their chances to show anything. Not sure if Thomson is still out injured, or just dropped, but his injury record is a big concern and still haven't seen him really making an impact so far. VDW looked lively at times, and his chances have been very limited, but I'm so biased against him at this point given what I've seen at Edinburgh.

Great to see Jones getting on the ball and that connection with Hogg starting to spark again, but jesus christ his hands are awful sometimes. Does he keep the shirt ahead of Harris? Can he be trusted to contain Fickou/Vakatawa?

So... questions for the 23 v France I'd guess would depend on the fitness of Russell, Cummings, Redpath and how Brown/Hastings go this afternoon. Is Cummings fit? If not just keep Skinner alongside Gray. I think even if Redpath is fit, Johnson has largely done well since coming back in.

don't know how often folk have to be told, Richie Gray was out of the squad because of concussion. He was lucky to be in it, and his performance today showed why.
Russell and Hastings will be available so VDW can move on having enjoyed his brief and ineffectual flirtation with international rugby.
Steele's passing was shit, Game enough, but his fundamentals so poor against such poor opposition, he will still bench this week unless Toonie calls up SHC or be really sensible, Pyrgos, As soon as Horne is fit, enough of Steele
Craig's cameo was very good and justified his selection, but he might be lucky to be in next week's 23 - expect Jonny Gray back to replace him. Cummings broke a bone in his hand so don't expect to see him
Odd to pick out Jones hand's, whole team couldn't pass water yesterday

I thought Steele had a good game and that your being harsh on him but maybe that's because I'm only new to watching Rugby lol, well club rugby, I've watched most Scotland games since 2006 6Ns.

I don't really know the laws etc so you guys will be a lot more critical of players than I am, please help me out .

[Cameo]

On the Jones/Harris question - I can see the argument that France will be looking for tries so a focus on defensive solidity makes some sense. However, if the game really breaks up, Jones is lethal. I just enjoy watching us play more when he's in the team (I recognise Townsend has slightly different priorities to me!).

Steele - I thought he was okay but for someone who doesn't offer that much 'extra' (pace, physicality round the rucks etc.), I don't think his basics are as flawless as I would like. Box kicks were good but pass not the crispest. I recognise that lots of 9's don't live up to my hopes! I think with Horne in on the weekend he would have really made hay. We saw some of the fun Price had even if he wasn't flawless.

[stevedog1980]

For the France game I would like to see us play the most attacking and expansive game we have - why not?

We can't lose 4th position and we can't defend our way into 2nd or 3rd, pick our most mobile team available and lets just attack from everywhere!!

[Big D]

The temptation is to see this is a free hit and go balls to the wall, but this is a huge test for the team. Going out and getting pumped does no one any good (other than the French). This is the type of game that we have routinely failed in and if they can put in a big performance and win, or keep it close then it will be a great boost.

[stevedog1980]

The temptation is to see this is a free hit and go balls to the wall, but this is a huge test for the team. Going out and getting pumped does no one any good (other than the French). This is the type of game that we have routinely failed in and if they can put in a big performance and win, or keep it close then it will be a great boost.

I can see that logic for sure. But, we have kept it close against the Irish and failed to win against the Welsh from a winning position. It's the same story as last year, we are one of the tougher teams in the tournament but falling on the wrong side of results too often. I'm not convinced that another losing bonus point from this game would advance us any further.

Like I say, I can see the argument for it so I won't be surprised if pragmatism wins the day but given it's the only game on this Friday I'd love to see a feast of attacking rugby instead

[Mikey Brown]

Attacking intent wasn’t really the issue though. It was being unable to go a few phases without giving away a penalty, coughing it up in contact, killing our own momentum with poor set-piece work or our backline looking like they’ve never met each-other before.

Though going all out 7s/barbarians on them does have the upside that if we do get tanked we might cost Wales the championship.

[Mikey Brown]

No Jonny Gray. So looks like same pack again with Kebble in for Bhatti on the bench.

Russell and Hastings back is great. Maitland out and McLean gets a chance in the training squad which is good to see.

No Redpath, unsurprisingly.

[whatisthejava]

When was the last time that the top 3 second rows in each team were not available ?

My team from that

Sutherland
Turner - needs his aggression
Z Fagerson
Skinner
Gilchrist
Richie - needs to be a jumper
Watson
M Fagerson

Steele - Didnt do anything wrong , a couple of nervous passes but was his first start
Russell
Graham
Johnson
Harris
VDM
Hogg

Right one of two things are going to happen
France are going to come out calm and we will need to weather the storm until they panic
OR
they come out full on mental again like Saturday

Either way
Subs

Kebble
Cherry
Nel
Alex Craig
Haining

Aldi Price
Jones
Hastings


What i think toony will do
Start Price
Start Cherry
Pick JVDW on the bench in place of Hastings but the rest picks it self

[septic 9]

I thought Steele had a good game and that your being harsh on him but maybe that's because I'm only new to watching Rugby lol, well club rugby, I've watched most Scotland games since 2006 6Ns.

I don't really know the laws etc so you guys will be a lot more critical of players than I am, please help me out .

Steele is keen, but his pass was poor. Not accurate enough this week, but so slow and lobbed I thought Laidlaw was back. Good 9s really zip the ball way, the best without taking a step first, and off either hand. Steele was taking a step, which allows the defence a fraction more time to hit the recipient, and a slow/lob pass another fraction. Means its much more difficult to drive forward, easier to drive us back. Its small thing but crucial. As you're half Irish , dig out some old youtube tributes to Peter Stringer, or watch Conor Murray for gold standard in scrum half passing